longevity

longevity — noun

1. the fact of living for a very long time, especially in comparison with what is n

1.nounB2
Definition

the fact of living for a very long time, especially in comparison with what is normal for a person, animal, or plant of that type

Example

The Galapagos tortoise is known for its remarkable longevity, often living over a hundred years.

collocation: remarkable longevity

Kenji's grandfather credited his longevity to a simple diet and daily walks in the park.

pattern: credit [one's] longevity to [factor]

Common collocations
  • remarkable longevity
  • human longevity
  • plant longevity
  • longevity genes
  • credit [one's] longevity to
  • play a role in longevity
  • improve longevity
  • exceptional longevity
Synonyms
  • long life

    the everyday, informal alternative

  • long lifespan

    more specific; refers to the actual duration an individual or species lives

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

longevity of [species/person/group]

credit [one's] longevity to [factor]

Usage Note

A formal or scientific-sounding word. In everyday conversation, 'long life' or 'live a long time' are more common. Frequently used with adjectives such as 'remarkable,' 'exceptional,' and 'unusual.' Subject of the sentence is typically a species, group, or person with an unusually long lifespan.

Common Mistakes

My grandmother has longevity.
My grandmother is known for her remarkable longevity.
Longevity is rarely used as a simple possession; it usually appears with a qualifier (remarkable, unusual, exceptional) or in a general statement about a group.

2. the quality of continuing to be popular, useful, or effective for a very long ti

2.nounC1
Definition

the quality of continuing to be popular, useful, or effective for a very long time, as with a product, brand, career, or idea

Example

The longevity of that TV series surprised the studio — it ran for fifteen seasons.

pattern: the longevity of [thing]

Shanti chose a wool coat for the longevity of natural materials, despite the higher price.

Common collocations
  • product longevity
  • brand longevity
  • battery longevity
  • career longevity
  • longevity of [a product/brand/trend]
  • known for [its] longevity
  • ensure longevity
  • contribute to [the] longevity
Synonyms
  • durability

    focuses on physical strength and resistance to wear

  • staying power

    informal; emphasizes continued relevance or popularity

  • endurance

    suggests the ability to withstand difficulty over time

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

the longevity of [product/brand/career]

Usage Note

Common in business, technology, and media contexts. Often appears in the pattern 'the longevity of + noun.' Unlike sense 1, this sense can apply to objects, ideas, trends, and careers — anything that remains relevant or functional over time. Frequently passive in construction ('is known for its longevity').

Common Mistakes

The longevity of the meeting was too long.
The meeting lasted too long.
Longevity refers to lasting over many years, not the duration of a single event.

Word family

  • long-lived
    adjectiveB2
  • longevous
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Longevity is the most formal of these terms, often appearing in scientific or academic writing about the duration of life: 'researchers studying human longevity.' 'Long life' is the simplest, everyday expression and works in casual conversation: 'My grandmother had a long life.' 'Lifespan' is more neutral and specific — it refers to the average or maximum length of time a species or individual is expected to live: 'The average lifespan of a house cat is about fifteen years.' Within scientific contexts, 'longevity' also carries a statistical or genetic tone that 'long life' lacks. For example, a researcher would say 'factors affecting longevity' but not 'factors affecting long life,' which sounds too informal for a journal article.

longevity ↗long lifelifespan ↗longevity (scientific context)

Common collocations

Nouns

  • factor in longevity
  • research on longevity
  • secret to longevity
  • key to longevity
  • study of longevity

Phrases

  • longevity is associated with
  • longevity depends on
  • known for [its] longevity

Prepositions

  • for [its] longevity
  • of longevity

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Longevity comes from the Latin word 'longaevitas,' which is built from 'longus' (meaning long) and 'aevum' (meaning age or lifetime). It passed into English through French 'longévité' in the 1600s, and has been used ever since to describe unusually long life or lasting quality.